Engaging with Society
When we who are in Christ contemplate how we can engage with society in a godly way, we must remember that this world is the domain of darkness, the valley of the shadow of death.
Acknowledging the world for what it is helps keep our mindset on the spiritual and off the fleshly, or natural.
Knowing the true state of things, we are rightly concerned about human governments and societal practices. These are the structures and institutions stemming from and used by the enemy to delude and deceive the people of the world who remain separated from God.
With regard to governments, Romans 13:1 teaches us that, “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (NASB 2020)
1 Timothy 2:1–4 goes further, including all people. There the Spirit said through Paul, “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (NASB 2020)
Father’s desire is that all people would choose to trust Him. Since He IS Love, He does not force this outcome on anyone, however. The turmoil, unrest, wickedness, and evil we see around us should give people pause as they consider the source of peace, stability, rest, and righteousness.
We are children of the God of the universe. As such, we spread the aroma of our lovely Lord Jesus everywhere we go. As we manifest His glorious Life through godly attitudes and actions (which by the way, He prepared in advance should characterize our lives) we illuminate the stark difference between the Kingdom of Light and the domain of darkness in which we are ambassadors.
We are free to take advantage of the lawful avenues available to us in seeking to encourage others toward what is good, but we do not need to be combative or angry. Bringing change into the unbelieving world is spiritual work, not fleshly work. Our role is to be His witnesses by displaying what Life in Christ looks like for all to see.
In this way, we can restfully impact society as we depend upon the Spirit of Christ to energize change
